Do you only have a day to spend in Shanghai? You've come to the right place! This is your 24-hour guide to the things you need to see and do in Shanghai!
Sometimes referred to as the "Paris of the East," Shanghai is one of China's largest and most cosmopolitan cities. While it doesn't have the epic historic sites that you will find in Beijing and Xian, the city has a lot of great spots to explore!
Start your day early with a walk along The Bund, a mile-long stretch along the river that used to be where those arriving by water would enter the city. It runs parallel to Nanjing Road, which is lined with historic buildings in a variety of styles that look like they were plucked from the streets of New York or a major European city.
The imposing structures house foreign consulates, banks, museums, and swanky bars. The best part about a visit to this stretch of river is the view that you have of Pudong (above) across the river — day or night (or half immersed in fog), it's an incredible view.
Grab some traditional, handmade dumplings for lunch in Old Town, and then spend some time wandering through the alleyways and gardens of the Yuyuan Gardens & Bazaar. The gardens were founded by the Pan family during the Ming dynasty and they took 18 years (1559-77) to create! They are stunning, with pavilions, carp-filled ponds, twisted pines, and a maze of arches to explore.
Once the sun is starting to go down, East Nanjing Road is the place to be! This pedestrian-only stretch is where you will see neon signs galore (see photo at the beginning of this post) and there are lots of great options to dine — no matter your budget — and shop!
